Today I had a very busy day and I interacted with lots of people. I found myself feeling comfortable and not anxious at all in dealing with other people. It was wonderful. I realize that when I don’t worry about how I am seen or the ulterior motives of other people, then I don’t even have to remind myself to see the light of God in other people. It seems to come naturally. I find other people have amazing stories about their own journeys.
Many of my intrusive thoughts and anxieties seem to go away when I focus on other people. I think that’s one of the biggest tricks or tips there is to dealing with anxiety. When I have anxiety, I feel like I am stuck inside my head, and I don’t know how to release the pressure from the fear that I am experiencing. However, when I find a way to get out of my head, then I am able to release that pressure.
The other day I let the pressure build up in a terrible way. I felt so totally out of control, and I knew I was experiencing the fight or flight response. So, I went outside and found a rake and I raked a pot of soil. It gave me a chance to move something physical and get out of my head for just a few minutes. I found myself in the present moment and I knew that God would guide me to the next. That’s all anyone really needs.
So, when I find myself feeling lost, if I can help someone else or focus on them, it helps me too. I remember several years ago, I was having a panic attack when I received a phone call that my father was in the hospital. I dropped everything and went to his side. I felt overwhelmed, but for the moment nothing really mattered except my love for my father and being in that moment with him. There wasn’t enough room for fight or flight.
I guess the real answer is we help each other even though we don’t realize it. All the interactions we have with others everyday they keep us centered and grounded. They are opportunities to feel love and to be loved. We just need to open ourselves to what God has provided.
My faith saved me. May God’s peace reside in all of our hearts.
